Final answer:
The basic format for a nursing diagnostic statement consists of three components: the problem, the etiology or cause, and the signs and symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic format for a nursing diagnostic statement consists of three components: the problem, the etiology or cause, and the signs and symptoms. The problem component describes the health issue the patient is experiencing. The etiology component identifies the underlying cause of the problem, and the signs and symptoms component describes the observed or reported evidence of the problem.
For example, a nursing diagnostic statement for a patient with a diagnosis of pneumonia could be:
- Problem: Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar inflammation and consolidation.
- Etiology: Pneumonia infection caused by bacterial or viral pathogens.
- Signs and Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, increased respiratory rate, decreased oxygen saturation, and presence of crackles upon auscultation.
This format helps nurses to accurately identify and communicate the patient's health problems, their underlying causes, and the specific signs and symptoms that support the diagnosis.